Troopers seize $20,000 of hydroponic marijuana in Cincinnati

An Ohio man is facing felony drug and weapon charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized four pounds of hydroponic marijuana, worth approximately $20,000 and a loaded .45 caliber handgun, following a traffic stop in Warren County.

Troopers stopped a 2005 GMC delivery van, with Texas registration, for a speed violation, on Interstate 71 northbound, near milepost 23, in Warren County at 7:07 p.m. on June 14. Criminal indicators were observed and a Patrol drug-sniffing canine alerted to the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed a black duffle bag containing four pounds of hydroponic marijuana and a loaded .45 caliber handgun, with two full magazines between the front seats.

The driver, James C. Kenner, 59, of Columbus, was incarcerated in the Warren County Jail and charged with trafficking in marijuana, a third-degree felony and possession of marijuana and carrying a concealed weapon, both fourth-degree felonies.

If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.